We engage in continuous research and development to maintain a competitive advantage in the marketplace and keep pace with current developments. We conduct these activities primarily through Nanchang Best and Guangxi Huijie. Their research and development results are shared with each of the feed operating companies. We also sponsor research alliances with Jiangxi Agricultural University, South China Agricultural University, Nanjing Agricultural University and Zhejiang Agricultural University.
In addition to sponsoring national and provincial academic research projects at various academic institutions, in November 2004, Nanchang Best launched a fund called Best Fund contributing RMB 98,000 (US$12,250) to sponsor 12 research projects at Jiangxi Agricultural University. Nanchang Best retains proprietary rights to any research findings from these projects.
We have a seven member research and development team devoted to hog farming. Two members of the team have doctorate degrees and three have masters degrees in veterinary science and/or animal breeding and genetics. We are participants in two ongoing research programs. We have been selected into the National Hog Production System, where individuals from China's top 52 hog farms share their expertise and research and development results. We are also a member of the National Pig Genetics Association which focuses on the selection of high-lean meat breeder hogs and the other program focuses on improving the reproductive traits of breeder hogs.
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